Back-to-school time can bring excitement and anticipation, along with stress and anxiety for some students.
Whether it’s getting to know a new teacher, navigating a new school or fitting in on the playground, the new school year usually comes with a period of transition. As parents, you can help your children during those first few weeks with these tips.
Establish routines at home
A few tips to help restructure your child’s day include creating routines around:
- Mornings.
- Meals.
- Bedtime.
Having structure in place will give kids a sense of focus and control, making it easier for them to handle the transition back to school.
A little anxiety is normal
The launch of a new school year comes with anxiety-inducing “firsts,” whether meeting a new teacher, opening their new locker or finding a friend to sit with at lunch. Beyond the first day, there’s taking the first test of the school year, trying out for a new sport or raising their hand to answer a question. This is called anticipatory anxiety.
Anticipatory anxiety is a very normal reaction to transition. As parents, you need to be mindful that some kids will have this. It’s all part of the preparatory process of coming into something new.
How to talk through feeling anxious
You may know your kids are worried or anxious but getting them to share their feelings can be a challenge. One tip to help communicate with your kids: avoid questions with one-word answers. Ask open ended question, like:
- “How did you handle it last year?"
- "What did you learn?"
- "How are you going to use what you learned to help you this year?"
Another approach is to ask about other kids. Asking about how their friends are doing and how other kids deal with this problem. By using circular questioning, you can help your child to see outside of their own perspective.
Validate your child’s feelings
Listen and acknowledge your child’s feelings. Try not to dismiss their concerns, even if they seem minor. Provide support and understanding. Show them you have confidence in their ability to handle the situation.
We know you don’t want your kids to feel uncomfortable or suffer. If your kid says, “I’m nervous” avoid replying with “Oh, you’ll be fine.” While you may be attempting to make your child feel better, that response invalidates their feelings and experiences. Instead, validate their feelings by saying things like “I know it’s scary,” or “Change is hard.”
Tips for supporting people with anxiety
When to seek outside support
When do you know it’s time to seek help? Look for any personality or behavioral changes. Watch for changes like being:
- Aggressive.
- Anxious.
- Defensive.
- Hyper-alert.
- Irritable.
- Unable to sleep.
If the change in behavior is aligned with the school transition, let it play out a bit, give your kids more support and more quality time. But once you’re thinking ‘That’s not my kid,’ it might be time to look for outside help.
Seek help and utilize community resources.
- Primary care provider
- School counselor
- Teacher
- Therapist
Remember, it’s better to be proactive when it comes to behavioral health concerns than to be reactive. Always trust your intuition as a parent.
Originally published from Genesis Health on August 22, 2023.
